Drawmer Masterflow DC2496 Owner's Manual

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DC2496

HIGH RESOLUTION

ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL

CONVERTER

COPYRIGHT

This manual is copyrighted 8 1999 by Drawmer Electronics, Ltd. With all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means, mechanical, optical, electronic,
recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of Drawmer Electronics Ltd

2

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Drawmer Electronics Ltd., warrants the Drawmer DC2496 high
resolution analogue to digital converter to conform substantially
to the specifications of this manual for a period of one year from
the original date of purchase when used in accordance with the
specifications detailed in this manual. In the case of a valid war­ranty claim, your sole and exclusive remedy and Drawmer’s entire
liability under any theory of liability will be to, at Drawmer=s dis­cretion, repair or replace the product without charge, or, if not
possible, to refund the purchase price to you. This warranty is not
transferable. It applies only to the original purchaser of the product.

For warranty service please call your local Drawmer dealer. Al­ternatively call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. at [phone].
Then ship the defective product, with transportation and insur­ance charges pre-paid, to Drawmer Electronics Ltd., Coleman
Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6EL UK. Write the RA number
in large letters in a prominent position on the shipping box. En­close your name, address, telephone number, copy of the original
sales invoice and a detailed description of the problem. Drawmer
will not accept responsibility for loss or damage during transit.

This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by mis­use, modification or unauthorised repair.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL W ARRANTIES, WHETHER
ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR ST ATUT ORY .
DRAWMER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMIT ATION,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON­INFRINGEMENT. PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

IN NO EVENT WILL DRAWMER ELECTRONICS LTD. BE LI­ABLE FOR ANY DIRECT , INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMIT­TED BY LAW, DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF
DRAWMER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.

Some states and specific countries do not allow the exclusion of
implied warranties or limitations on how long an implied warranty
may last, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This war­ranty gives you specific legal rights. Y ou may have additional rights
that vary from state to state, and country to country .

In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or improve specifica-

tions of this product at any time, without prior notice.

3

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Safety Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Radio Frequencies Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 1 - DC2496 Hi Resolution A/D Converter

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installation Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installation and Connection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 2 - DC2496 Basic Effects

Front Panel Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3 - Operation

Setup System using Internal Sine Wave Generator

100Hz/1kHz Setup T one . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1kHz Setup T one at -40dB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

100Hz Setup T one at -6dB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Troubleshooting - 1kHz Setup Tone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

96kHz 24 Bit Recording and Replay

96K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

96K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from ADAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

96K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from TDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

96K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk Recorder . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 3 - Operation cont...

48kHz 24 Bit Recording and Replay

48K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

48K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from ADA T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

48K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from TDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

48K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk Recorder . . . . . . . . . . 14

Multi-Track Copying

Copy ADA T Recording to TDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Copy TDIF Recording to ADA T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Copy TDIF/ADA T Hi- Res as Stereo Master . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Reduce 48K 24Bit Triple Tracks to 16 Bit Stereo. . . . . . . 16

Chapter 4 - Special Operation Notes

Record Hi-Res Bit Splitting Tracks to ADA T/TDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Special Digital T ape Recorder Play cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 5 - DC2496 Information

Software Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 6 - General Information

If a fault develops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Contacting Drawmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 7 - DC2496 Data

Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CONTENTS

4

DRA WMER DC2496

HIGH RESOLUTION ANALOGUE TO DIGIT AL

CONVERTER

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

CAUTION - MAINS FUSE

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE THE MAINS FUSE

ONLY WITH A FUSE THAT CONFORMS TO

EIC 127-2. 250 VOLT WORKING, TIME DELAY TYPE AND

BODY SIZE OF 20mm x 5mm.

THE MAINS INPUT FUSE MUST BE RATED A T T500mA.

CAUTION - MAINS CABLE

DO NOT ATTEMPT T O CHANGE OR TAMPER

WITH THE SUPPLIED MAINS CABLE.

CAUTION - SERVICING

DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING. REFER ALL SERVICING

TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

For the USA

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY IN­TERFERENCE STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. How­ever, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off an on, then
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:

Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Unauthorised changes or modification to this system can void the users=
authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC
class B limit.

For Canada

CLASS B NOTICE

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

CLASSE B AVIS

Cet appareil numérique ne dépasse pas les limites de la classe B au niveau
des émissions de bruits radioélectriques fixés dans le Règlement des signaux
parasites par le ministère Canadien des Communications.

5

CHAPTER 1

DRAWMER DC2496 HIGH RESOLUTION

ANALOGUE TO DIGIT AL CONVERTER

INTRODUCTION

The Drawmer DC2496 is an extremely sophisticated, high resolution
analogue to digital converter designed for use in demanding recording and
broadcast applications. Both analogue (balanced XLR) and digital (AES/
EBU, S/PDIF , ADA T 8 Channel light pipe and TDIF 8 Channel) I/O is
provided as standard. The audio converters are 24-bit and the digital output
can be either 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24-bit at sample rates of up to 96kHz. Noise
shaped dithering is included and Word Clock input and output is available.

NOT JUST AN A/D CONVERTER BUT ALSO DIGITAL INTERF ACE FOR

RECORDING FROM ONE UNIT TO ANOTHER - WITH A BACKUP A T

THE SAME TIME!

Why 96kHz?

Digital processing has until now been confined to 48kHz sampling frequency.
In order to achieve the required bandwidth for professional audio, a very severe
low pass filter at 23kHz is required to separate analogue signal frequencies
from the clock frequency otherwise unpleasant aliasing will occur. This requires
the use of a FIR digital filter which is part of the A/D and D/A converters.
Unfortunately these filters cause what is known as >time smear=, where short
transients are smeared over a longer time period giving loss of HF detail. At
96kHz sample frequency, the low pass filter is less severe and at twice the
frequency, so time smear is considerably reduced.

A second important consideration is the increased audio bandwidth up to
40kHz. This allows harmonics which extend above human hearing to be
generated and preserved. These harmonics, although not audible themselves,
make a contribution to the sound quality.

Key Features

96k 24bit A/D with 130dB dynamic range and very low THD.
Simultaneously record 96k/48k 24bit stereo input to 48K (three) or 96K (six)

tracks to ADAT or TDIF 8 track digital tape recorder and stereo 48k 16bit
backup (to tracks 7/8) and record an independant backup copy at 48/44.1 20/
16bits to DAT (using internal Sample Rate Convertor)

Sample Rate Convertor with bit reduction and dither to reduce 96/88.2K 24bit
recordings to 48/44.1K 16/20bit for CD masters.

Built in 96/48K high quality D/A to monitor digital signals or record to analog
tape.

Dual time constant Stereo Limiter with variable time constants can apply up
to 18dB stereo gain to any input signal.

100dB range 64 element stereo signal meter with peak hold.
Selection of Noise shaped dither and bit rounding to reduce 96/48/44.1K

recordings to 22, 20, 18 or 16 bits.
Digitally copy 8 track stereo or Hi-Res ADAT/TDIF recordings to or from TDIF/

ADAT .
Auto identify Stereo or Hi-Res recordings upon ADAT or TDIF replay .
Inputs from A/D ADAT optical, TDIF, AES, SPDIF, Outputs to D/A ADAT

optical, TDIF , AES, SPDIF.
Seperate Digital Word Sync from D/A TDIF , ADAT, AES, SPDIF or BNC .
Rear panel show which sockets are active for easy hookup using Green (for

input signal) and Yellow (for word clock inputs) LEDs.
Built in 100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz and dual sine wave generator (100Hz Left Ch,

1K Right Ch) sine tone at -40dB, -20dB and variable -24db to -6dB output
level to aid connection dificulties and troubleshooting.

Dual PLL for low jitter

Chapter

1

DC2496 HI RES A/D CONVERTER

6

AUDIO CONNECTIONS

Analogue Inputs

The inputs and outputs to the DC2496 are electronically balanced and would
normally be connected to your system via a patchbay. Should unbalanced
operation be required, simply ground pin 3 on the XLR connectors.
If earth loop hum problems are encountered, do not disconnect the mains
earth but instead, try disconnecting one end of the signal screen on the
cables connecting the DC2496 to the patchbay. If such measures are
necessary, balanced operation is recommended.

AES/EBU

Is via an XLR connector designed to be used with standard balanced
microphone cable (20 metres maximum), wired pin 1 screen, pin 2 and 3
balanced data, and the XLR shell connected to the chassis. Having many
short cables joined together is not advisable as each connector can cause
undesirable signal reflections.
The output socket fully conforms to the EMC standards; if the unit is to be
used where it may be exposed to high levels of disturbance, such as found
close to a TV or radio transmitter, it is suggested that the screen of the data
cable be connected to the chassis connection on the XLR type connector
rather than to pin 1.
If ground loop problems are encountered, never disconnect the mains ground,
but instead, try disconnecting the signal screen on one end of each cable
connecting the outputs.

S/PDIF

Is via a high quality RCA type phono jack where the data conforms to the
SonyJ PhillipsJ Digital InterFace format. Because this connector only
provides an unbalanced termination, the recommended maximum length
for this cable is 3 metres, even with very high quality cable.

Word Clock

For external clock synchronisation or when the DC2496 is providing the clock
to another source, this is carried out via the 50Ω BNC connector.

ADAT

Connect via an Optical Cable (Light Pipe) with a maximum recommended
length of three metres. The cable supports 8 channels at a 24 Bit word
resolution. The Drawmer DC2496 provides seperate ADAT input and output
as standard.

TDIF

Is via a 25 pin D connector. This is a unique cross-wired cable, supplied by
Tascam. It has 8 inputs, 8 outputs all at 24 Bit word resolution as well as
TDIF word clock in and out all in the one connector. The maximum
recommended length is three metres.

Note: When the TDIF D plug is inserted the main BNC Word Clock out is
shifted by 90 degrees fot TDIF use only.

INST ALLA TION PRECAUTIONS

Should a fuse blow, replace it only with the same type and value as the one
fitted.

When installing the DC2496, ensure that it is allowed sufficient ventilation
and avoid mounting it next to excessively hot pieces of equipment or devices
emitting a strong magnetic field such as is often the case with power
amplifiers. If the unit is to be used in a mobile situation, it is strongly
recommended that the rear of the unit is supported in the carrying rack to
avoid bending the front panel rack mounting ‘ears’.

Should the unit require cleaning, use a damp cloth with a little liquid detergent;
do not use thinners or spirit cleaners as these may attack the finish.

Chapter

1

DC2496 HI RES A/D CONVERTER

7

INST ALLA TION AND CONNECTION GUIDE

Chapter

1

DC2496 HI RES A/D CONVERTER

8

INPUT SIGNAL shows the
selected input source. This signal
is also indicated on the rear panel
by lighting the selected signal
Green LED.
The WORD CLOCK must be set
to the appropriate source
otherwise clicks, pops or even
loud white noise may be heard.
When setting up for a new signal
source firstly select the mode for
RECORD or PLAY (each mode
has its own set of input, Limiter,
Word Res etc. settings)

ALWAYS reduce to monitor
volume before changing the input
signal or word clock source to
prevent damage to ears or

speakers.

Input Signal

BASIC EFFECTS

The limiter will only have any effect when ‘DIGIT AL
GAIN’ is set greater than 0dB.
There are several attack/decay settings:
use ‘SLOW’ for least intrusive signal leveling with
up to 18dB of gain,
‘MED’ to increase to perceived volume with up to
+12dB of gain,
‘FAST’ for transient capture.
Note: if more than +9dB of ‘DIGITAL GAIN’ is
applied then it is possible hear the limiter
pumping,
use ‘HOLD’ to normalise the signal to exactly 0dB.
Select ‘HOLD’, play the track using +18dB of
‘DIGITAL GAIN’ then rewind and the track will be
ready to play with its max peaks unlimited at 0dB.
Re-select the ‘HOLD’ LED to re-set the hold level.
The ‘LIMIT’ meter LED will remain lit when ‘HOLD’
is selected and the input signal has been limited,
until the ‘LIMITER’ button is pressed. The ‘LIMIT’
LED will also remain lit for up to 10 seconds as
the limiter releases when ‘SLOW’ and the input

signal has been severly limited.

Limiter

WORD RESOLUTION defines the
number of bits per audio sample,
ie: Standard audio CD is 16bits.

This must match the recording
medium otherwise ‘Truncation’
distortion will occur. Truncation
distortion cannot be removed after
recording by adding dither to a
truncated signal.
When word resolution is reduced
to less bits than the original then
dither must be added to mask the
distortion that is caused when the
bits are lost.

If the DC2496 A/D is 24bit
resolution, when reducing this to
16bits for a DAT recording
normally best results are obtained

with HF dither.

Word Resolution

H.F dither generally removes the
low level distortion on low signal
levels with the least noticable
noise.
M.F dither produces the lower
distortion with a slight increase
in noise over H.F dither
DUAL dither produces the lowest
distortion but still has much less
perceived noise than White noise

dither.
White noise is the standard dither
added to prevent distortion on low
level signals when the WORD
RESOLUTION of a signal is
reduced, ie. 24bit recording
reduced to 16bits. It offers poor
performance in terms of perceived
noise.

Dither

Chapter

2

DC2496 BASIC EFFECTS

CHAPTER 2

9

SAMPLE RATE selects the required highly accurate
internal crystal controlled dual PLL clock signal. This
can be 44.1, 48, 88.2,96k or EXT which can use an
external Word Clock signal.
EXT WORD CLOCK selects the source for the word
clock (indicated by a yellow LED on the rear panel).
It must be within the range 30kHz to 100kHz. The
signal will be sent to the DC2496 dual PLL for clock
cleaning to reduce distortion that can be caused by
jitter on the clock signals.
The Front panel yellow ‘EXT WORK CLOCK’ LED will
flash quickly if a clock is unstable or will flash slowly
if clock not connected.

Ensure the correct Sample Rate & EXT WORD
CLOCK are selected otherwise a small amount of
distortion on the signal, regular click, pops or a
repeating ‘Zwang’ type sound may occur (this applies
to all digital equipment).
Note: after the sample rate has been changed, the A/
D will require an audio signal for 1 minute to settle
back to its full dynamic range.

Sample Rate / Ext Word Clock

REPLAY TRACK is only lit when ADA T or TDIF
input signal has been selected.
The number of LEDs lit depends on the tracks
being replayed from the multitrack tape recorder:
Normal stereo signals light one LED allowing 4
pairs of stereo signals to be monitored.
When 2 LEDs are lit (only when the tape is
playing) then a Hi-Res triple track has been
detected which will be replayed as stereo output
of 24bits at 48kHz.
When 3 LEDs are lit then a 96 or 88.2kHz ‘Hex’
track has been detected which will be replayed
at 96kHz from the Main digital outputs and D/A
but 48Khz from the Sample Rate Converter digital
outputs and the Multitrack outputs.
If the replay track changes from normal 16/20
bit mode to Hi-Res mode there will be a short
burst of white noise for a couple of hundred mS.
This is due to tracks 3/4 which sound like 0dB
white noise being audible while the DC2496 auto

detects the Hi-Res mode.

Replay Track

RECORD/PLAY selects
between two sets of all
the other button
settings.

Select this before
altering any other

parameter.

Mode

GAIN of up to +18dB can
be applied.
Be aware that digital
distortion can occur
whenever gain is applied
therefore the Limiter should
be switched on (see
LIMITER section).

Digital Gain

Chapter

2

DC2496 BASIC EFFECTS

10

OPERATION

COMMENTS

INPUT

SIGNAL

OPERATION

FRONT PANEL

LIMITER WORD

RESOLUTION

DITHER SAMPLE

RATE

EXTENDED

WORK CLOCK

REPLAY

TRACK

MODE DIGITAL

GAIN

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

100Hz and 1kHz Setup Tone at

48kHz sample rate to All Outputs

A 100Hz tone at -20dB will be sent to all left

channels outputs.

A 1kHz tone at -26dB will be sent to all right

channel outputs.

all these leds are

off while setup

tone is generated

not

active

as

requiredasrequiredasrequiredasrequired

not

active

as

required

not

active

1kHz Setup Tone at -40dB

to All Outputs

A 1kHz tone at -40dB will be sent to all

outputs.

100Hz Setup Tone at -6dB

to All Outputs

Troubleshooting - 1kHz Setup

Tone will not be sent to any Outputs

AES external clock is selected but no AES

input is connected to the unit

Note the flashing AES / SPDIF Ext word

clock led.

Use the internal sine wave generator to confirm output signals and to identify
left/right channels. A 100Hz, 1kHz or 10kHz internally generated sine wave at -40dB, -20dB or ­26dB to -6dB variable will be sent to all outputs.
When the input signal button is pressed the setup tone stops.

Sine wave

ouptut level = -6dB

external word

clock

AES/SPDIF

(led flashing)

not

active

A 100Hz tone at -6dB will be sent to all

outputs.

Use the Gain control to set the output level

from -26dB to -6dB.

Setup System using Internal Sine Wave Generator

COMMENTS

FRONT PANEL

SETUP TONE

ONONLEVEL

dBu

-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K

FREQ

Hz

ONONLEVEL

dBu

-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K

FREQ

Hz

ONONLEVEL

dBu

-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K

FREQ

Hz

ONONLEVEL

dBu

-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K

FREQ

Hz

all these leds are

off while setup

tone is generated

not

active

as

requiredasrequiredasrequiredasrequired

not

active

as

required

not

active

all these leds are

off while setup

tone is generated

not

active

as

requiredasrequiredasrequiredasrequired

not

active

as

required

all these leds are

off while setup

tone is generated

not

active

as

requiredasrequired

not

active

as

required

Chapter

3

OPERATION

CHAPTER 3

11

REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF AESADAT

REAR PANEL - TOP ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES SAMPLE

RATE

WORD

RES

LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT

AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS

ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS

16 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

20 Bit

word clock

output

Not

connected

AES sine wave

output

sine

output on

all 8

tracks

sine wave will be output

on all 8 tracks

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

word
clock
output

not

used

AES sine

wave
input

48K sine wave

output

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

sine wave

output

Not

Active

Not

Active

Not

Active

word

clock

input

sine
wave

ouptut

SPDIF Not

used

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

SPDIF Not

used

48K +21dBu

max output

signal

level

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

no

outputnooutput

AES no

outputnooutput

no

output

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Ext clock

source is

not

connected

word
clock
output

Not

active

SPDIF Not

active

48K no

output

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

no

output

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive?

Not

Acitive

word clock

output

Not

connected

AES sine wave

output

sine

output on

all 8

tracks

sine wave will be output

on all 8 tracks

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

word
clock
output

48K sine wave

output

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

sine wave

output

Not

Active

Not

Active

sine
wave

ouptut

sine wave

output

sine

output on

all 8

tracks

sine wave will be output

on all 8 tracks

Not

active

word
clock
output

sine wave

output

sine wave

output

16Bit

16Bit

16Bit

16Bit

Chapter

3

OPERATION

12

OPERATION

COMMENTS

INPUT

SIGNAL

OPERATION

FRONT PANEL

LIMITER WORD

RESOLUTION

DITHER SAMPLE

RATE

EXTENDED

WORK CLOCK

REPLAY

TRACK

MODE DIGITAL

GAIN

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

96K 24Bit Recording and Replay

96K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording

Record a stereo signal as hex (6) tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6 on an

ADAT or T ascam 16/20Bit digital multi-track tape

recorder - and 7,8 stereo pair as 48K backup if required.

ADAT machines must be set to EXT Clock.

Tascam machines must be set to WORD clock.

and a BNC lead from DC2496 main word clock to

Tascam Word Clock in.

XLR balanced

inputs.

Use as

required

24 bit

bit splitting mode

to record
6 tracks

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K internal
sample rate

none none SELECT THIS

RECORD

LED FIRST

0 dB

If gain is applied

limiter

must be used

96K 24 Bit A/D Input

Replay from ADAT

Replay hex (6) tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,

or 7,8 48K stereo pair.

ADAT must be set to INT Clock.

Light Pipe ADAT

optical in

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K or 88.2K lit

whenhex

trackrecording is

replayed

ADAT external

optical input word

clock

Lit when hex track

recording is

replayed

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

96K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay

from TDIF i.e. DA-88

Replay hex (6) tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,

or 7,8 48K stereo pair.

Tascam machines must be set to INT clock.

96K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk

recorder or other AES Digital Input

Monitor on D/A whilst recording to mini-disc,

ADAT and TDIF similtaneously

(All recording devices must use

external word clock)

96K 24Bit A/D conversion with monitor speakers recording and replaying, 8 Track
digital tape recorders, DAT and 24Bit 96K hard disk recorder, also recording 44.1K 16 Bit to
Mini-disc, all simultaneously.

Ensure that the A/D input signal does not light
the overload leds - analogue clipping will occur.
Reduce the mixer output level as required. Apply
DC2496 digital gain with limiter to allow more A/
D input headroom whilst preserving 0dBFS
digital level.

If the peak noise level from the mixing desk is
above -100dB then the bottom leds of the meter
will remain lit.

If the mixer has a -10dBu output level then the
analogue input switch should be pressed (+4dBu
max input signal level).

To ensure a 0dBFS digital signal level add a few
dB’s of digital gain and set the limiter to fast.

If digital gain is applied with the limiter off then
unpleasant digital distortion can occur on peaks.

When the DC2496 is running at 96K or 88.2K
and the main digital output is connected to a
48K digital input no signal will be received!

The A/D noise floor is 6dB higher at 96/88.2K
that at 48/44.1K.

When recording hex (6) tracks, tracks 7 and 8
will only monitor at 16Bit resolution from the
Sample Rate Converter (upper) digital outputs.

When the TDIF plug is inserted into the rear of
the DC2496 the main digital output word clock
BNC socket will be at 44.1K when recording at

88.2K and 48K when recording at 96K - and only
suitable for TDIF word sync input.

Always reduce monitor volume when selecting
different word clocks or sample rates.

ADAT and TDIF recordings will always be at

44.1/48K when recording 88.2/96K A/D or digital
input signals.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

10)

11)

TDIF digital

input fron

25 pin D plug

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K or 88.2K lit

whenhex

trackrecording is

replayed

TDIF external
25 pin D plug

word clock

Lit when hex track

recording is

replayed

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

AES (XLR)

digital input

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K or 88.2K lit

depending on

replay sample

rate

AES (XLR)
word clock

Not

Active

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

Chapter

3

OPERATION

13

REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF AESADAT

REAR PANEL - TOP ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES SAMPLE

RATE

WORD

RES

LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT

AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS

ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS

16 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

20 Bit

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

to ADAT

Recorder

to Tascam Recorder Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K 16Bit t o
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

from

Monitor

Desk output

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

from

Monitor

Desk output

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

to ADAT

Recorder

to Tascam TDIF

digital I/O

Copy ADAT recording to

Tascam

Optical

light pipe
from ADAT
digital out

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K 16Bit to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

copy to

ADAT
digital

input

25 pin D plug from
Tascam digital I/O

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K 16Bit t o
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

copy to

ADAT as

hex tracks

at 48K

to Tascam TDIF digital I/O
Copy hard disk recording

to Tascam as hex tracks

at 48K

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Diital input

from hard

disk recorder

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K 16Bit t o
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Chapter

3

OPERATION

14

OPERATION

COMMENTS

INPUT

SIGNAL

OPERATION

FRONT PANEL

LIMITER WORD

RESOLUTION

DITHER SAMPLE

RATE

EXTENDED

WORK CLOCK

REPLAY

TRACK

MODE DIGITAL

GAIN

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

48K 24Bit Recording and Replay

48K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording

Record a stereo signal on triple (3) tracks either as

tracks 1,2,3 or 4,5,6 or both on an ADAT or T ascam 16/

20Bit digital multi-track tape recorder - and 7,8 stereo

pair as a backup if required.

ADAT machines must be set to EXT Clock.

Tascam machines must be set to WORD clock, and a

BNC lead from DC2496 main word clock to Tascam

Word Clock in.

XLR balanced

inputs.

Use as

required

24 bit

bit splitting mode

to record
6 tracks

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

48K internal
sample rate

none none SELECT THIS

RECORD

LED FIRST

0 dB

If gain is applied

limiter

must be used

48K 24 Bit A/D Input

Replay from ADAT

Replay triple (3) tracks 1,2,3 or 4,5,6,

or tracks 7,8 stereo pair.

ADAT must be set to INT Clock.

There will be a short burst of white noise at 0dB if a

replay track changes from normal 16/20 Bit mode to

High-Res mode whilst replaying.

Light Pipe ADAT

optical in

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K or 88.2K lit

whenhex

trackrecording is

replayed

ADAT external

optical input word

clock

Lit when hex track

recording is

replayed

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

48K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay

from TDIF i.e. DA-88

48K 24Bit A/D conversion with monitor speakers recording and replaying, 8 Track
digital tape recorders, DAT and 24Bit 48K hard disk recorder, also recording 44.1K 16 Bit to
Mini-disc, all simultaneously.

Ensure that the A/D input signal does not light
the overload leds - analogue clipping will occur.
Reduce the mixer output level as required. Apply
DC2496 digital gain with limiter to allow more A/
D input headroom whilst preserving 0dBFS
digital level.

If the peak noise level from the mixing desk is
above -100dB then the bottom leds of the meter
will remain lit.

If the mixer has a -10dBu output level then the
analogue input switch should be pressed (+4dBu
max input signal level).

To ensure a 0dBFS digital signal level add a few
dB’s of digital gain and set the limiter to fast.

If digital gain is applied with the limiter off then
unpleasant digital distortion can occur on peaks.

When recording triple (3) tracks, tracks 7 and 8
will only monitor at 16Bit resolution from the
Sample Rate Converter (upper) digital outputs.

When the TDIF plug is inserted into the rear of
the DC2496 the main digital output word clock
BNC is only suitable for TDIF word sync input.

When monitoring using the Slave Digital Output
white noise bursts at 0dB may be heard when
changing sample rate.

Always reduce monitor volume when selecting
different word clocks or sample rates.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

TDIF digital

input fron

25 pin D plug

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K or 88.2K lit

whenhex

trackrecording is

replayed

TDIF external
25 pin D plug

word clock

Lit when hex track

recording is

replayed

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

AES (XLR)

digital input

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

96K or 88.2K lit

depending on
replay sample

rate

AES (XLR)
word clock

Not

Active

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

Replay triple (3) tracks 1,2,3 or 4,5,6,

or tracks 7,8 stereo pair.

Tascam must be set to INT Clock.

There will be a short burst of white noise at 0dB if a

replay track changes from normal 16/20 Bit mode to

High-Res mode whilst replaying.

48K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk

recorder or other AES Digital Input

Monitor on D/A whilst recording to mini-disc,

ADAT and TDIF similtaneously

(All recording devices must use

external word clock)

Chapter

3

OPERATION

15

REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF AESADAT

REAR PANEL - TOP ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES SAMPLE

RATE

WORD

RES

LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT

AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS

ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS

16 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

20 Bit

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

to ADAT

Recorder

to Tascam Recorder Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

from

Monitor

Desk output

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

from

Monitor

Desk output

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

to ADAT

Recorder

to Tascam TDIF

digital I/O

Copy ADAT recording to

Tascam

Optical

light pipe
from ADAT
digital out

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

copy to

ADAT
digital

input

25 pin D plug from
Tascam digital I/O

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES to Har d

Disk

Recorder

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Diital input

from hard

disk recorder

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

16Bit

16Bit

16Bit

16Bit

copy to

ADAT as

triple

tracks 48K

to Tascam TDIF digital I/O
Copy hard disk recording
to Tascam as triple tracks

at 48K

Chapter

3

OPERATION

16

OPERATION

COMMENTS

INPUT

SIGNAL

OPERATION

FRONT PANEL

LIMITER WORD

RESOLUTION

DITHER SAMPLE

RATE

EXTENDED

WORK CLOCK

REPLAY

TRACK

MODE DIGITAL

GAIN

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

EXT >

SPDIF

AES

TDIF

A/D

ADAT

HOLD

FAST

MED

OFF

SLOW

16 BIT

18 BIT

20 BIT

24 BIT

22 BIT

OFF

WHITE

DUAL

H.F.

M.F.

44.1K

48K

96K

88.2K

7,8

5,6

1,2

3,4

PLAY

RECORD

0+18

+6

+3

+9

+12

+15

AES/SPDIF

BNC

TDIF

ADAT

Multi-Track Copy

Copy ADAT Recording to TDIF

Make a digital copy of normal stereo tracks

or hi-res 48K triple or 96K hex tracks.

Set ADAT to INT Clock.

Set TDIF to WORD Clock and Digital Input.

ADAT optical

input

only effects D/A
and main digital

outputs.

only effects D/A
and main digital

outputs.

only effects D/A
and main digital

outputs.

ADAT optical

word clock

effects D/A, main

digital outputs

and aux digital

outputs.

SELECT THIS

RECORD

LED FIRST

only effects D/A and
main digital outputs

Copy TDIF to ADAT

Make a digital copy of normal stereo tracks

or hi-res 48K triple or 96K hex tracks.

Set TDIF to WORD Clock.

Set ADAT to DIG Clock and Digital Input.

TDIF 25 pin D

plug input

only effects D/A
and main digital

outputs.

only effects D/A
and main digital

outputs.

only effects D/A
and main digital

outputs.

TDIF external 25

pin D plug
word sync

effects D/A, main

digital outputs
and aux digital

outputs.

SELECT THIS

RECORD

LED FIRST

only effects D/A and
main digital outputs

Copy TDIF or ADAT Hi-Res Recording

to tracks 7,8 as stereo master

Reduce 48K 24Bit triple tracks to

16 Bit stereo.

Replay a ADAT or TDIF triple track reduced

to 16 Bit stereo.

Digitally copy ADAT to TDIF or TDIF to ADAT 44.1/48K or 88.2/96K recordings.
Also reduce 48K 24Bit triple tracks to 48K 16 Bit stereo with optimum dither, without using
sample rate conversion.

When the TDIF plug is inserted into the rear of
the DC2496 the main digital output word clock
BNC is only suitable for TDIF word sync input.

If digital gain is applied with the limiter off then
unpleasant digital distortion can occur on peaks.

When monitoring using the Slave Digital Output
white noise bursts at 0dB may be heard when
changing sample rate.

Always reduce monitor volume when selecting
different word clocks or sample rates.

Triple and Hex Tracks (tracks 1 to 6) can be
digitally copied in the same way as normal
stereo recording.
Tracks 7 & 8 will be a stereo processed signal
with gain limit and dither.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

TDIF digital

input fron

25 pin D plug

Use as

required

24 bit

stereo mode

High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

TDIF external
25 pin D plug

word clock

Two leds will light

for triple track

replay - three for

hex

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

3 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

Select TDIF or
ADAT input as

required

Use as

required

16 Bit High Frequency

Noise shaped

dither

Select EXT

44.1/48K Led will
light depending

on recording

Select as

required

Two leds will light

for triple track

replay is detected

SELECT THIS

PLAY

LED FIRST

3 dB
of gain with limit
use as required

Reduce a hex or triple track 96/48K 24 Bit

recording to 48K 16 Bit with optimum noise

shaped dither on tracks 7,8 slave and main

outputs.

Select EXT

44.1/48K Led will
light depending

on recording

Select EXT

44.1/48K Led will
light depending

on recording

Select EXT

44.1/48K Led will
light depending

on recording

Chapter

3

OPERATION

17

REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF AESADAT

REAR PANEL - TOP ROW

WORD

CLOCK

SPDIF SPDIF/AES

TOGGLE

AES SAMPLE

RATE

WORD

RES

LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT LEFT MAX

LEVEL

RIGHT

AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS

ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS

16 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

16 Bit

20 Bit

20 Bit

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES use

if

required

not

active

to Tascam Recorder AD AT

optical
input &

word clock

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Active

Not

Active

Not

Active

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES use

if

required

Optical

light pipe

to ADAT

digital in

to Tascam TDIF

digital I/O

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

44.1K to
Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES use

if

required

copy to

ADAT
digital

input

25 pin D plug from
Tascam digital I/O

light pipe

from ADAT

digital
output

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF Not

used

to

Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

to Tascam
word clock

in

Not

connected

AES use

if

required

copy to

ADAT
digital

input

25 pin D plug

Tascam digital I/O

light pipe

from ADAT

digital
output

Not

active

Not

active

Not

active

Not

usedtoMini-disc

recorder

SPDIF 44.1K

16Bit

16Bit

16Bit

16Bit

—to

Monitor

Amplifier

+21dBu

max output

signal

level

to

Monitor

Amplifier

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Not

Acitive

Chapter

3

OPERATION

18

CHAPTER 4

HELPFULL HINTS

Recording Hi-Resolution ‘Bit splitting’ tracks on a

Digital Tape Recorder (ADAT or TDIF)

When recording Triple (48k) or Hex (96k) Hi-Resolution tracks to tape the
SRC (upper) AES & SPDIF digital outputs will monitor tracks 7/8 @ 20 or
16bit resolution depending on the rear panel push switch.

When TDIF ‘D’ plug is inserted the DC2496 BNC Word Clock output will be
phase shifted by 90 degrees at a rated 44.1k @ 88.2k and 48k @ 96khz.
This is the clock for TDIF Word Sync.

When using A/D, ADAT or TDIF as the input signal and SAMPLE RATE is
set to EXT with AES/SPDIF then the DC2496 will get its EXT word clock
from the AES digital input (XLR socket), not the SPDIF digital input socket.

The main (lower) SPDIF and AES output sockets both support 88.1 and
96K 24bit signals if selected on the front panel. The EXT SPDIF word clock
input is only available when SPDIF input signal is also selected.

The Sample Rate Converted AES & SPDIF output sockets are rounded to
16/20bits and HF dither added regardless of front panel settings according
to the rear panel switch.

The ‘Setup tone’ frequency will only be accurate to a few percent of its
correct value when an EXT clock source is used.

The Rear panel ‘Green audio signals OK’ LEDs are lit when the PLL is
locked and signals are output.

ADAT and TDIF track outputs will always be at 44.12/48Khz even if A/D or
Digital input is at 88.2 or 96K

There are two Hi-Resolution recording modes:
Triple (3) track 24bit 44.1 or 48Khz on either or both tracks 123 or 456, or,
Hex (6) track 24bit 88.2 or 96Khz on tracks 123456.
Both triple and hex track modes also have a stereo backup 16bit 44.1 or
48k recording on tracks 7/8

When recording a 48/44.1K Hi-Res triple track it is prefferable to use tracks
4,5,6.

If tracks 123 only are recorded then there noise will be heard when
monitoring tracks 5,6. This is correct and is the ‘Remainder’ track of the Hi­Res signal.
If track triple 4,5,6 is recorded or both sets of Triple tracks then this noise

will not be heard.

Special Digital Tape Recorder (ADAT or TDIF) Play
cases:

When replaying a normal ADAT or TDIF recording, all 8 tracks will be
directly copied to the 8 TDIF and ADAT output tracks.
Limiter, Gain, Word resolution, dither etc will not modify the 8 track signals.
The Main digital output will have Gain, Limit etc. and will monitor the
selected replay track LEDs.
The 48/44.1Khz SRC digital output will exactly monitor the selected replay
track LEDs (without Gain, Limiter etc).

When replaying a Hi resolution triple or hex track recording (made when
both 24 and 16 bit WORD RESOLUTION LEDs are lit) the Sample Rate
Convertor digital AES/SPDIF, the Main AES/SPDIF digital output and TDIF
and ADAt track outputs 7/8 will replay the stereo signal from the tracks
shown by the REPLAY TRACK LEDs. Gain, limiter, Bit rounding & dither can
all be applied.
The TDIF and ADAT output tracks 1 thru 6 will be an exact bit copy of the
triple or hex track Hi-res recording.

For best results when reducing a 96K 24bit recording to 44.1 @ 16 bits
leave the front panel LED set to 24bits and reduce the signal to 16bits @

44.1Khz on the SRC rear panel grey push switches.
The DC2496 cannot record or play normal stereo signals @ 96k to ADAT or

TDIF. You must select the WORD RESOLUTION as 2 LED (16 and 24) bit
spliting mode and Sample Rate as 44.1/48K.

Up to 4 x DC2496 can be used to simultanious record 48K 24bit signals (if
the recorder alows) to TDIF using a special splitter lead. The Word Clock
must be EXT TDIF on the DC2496’s with the TDIF machine providing the
Word Clock. This cannot be done using ADAT light pipe

Several DC2496 units can be synchronised to sample accuracy (better
than 0.2uS) by setting the master unit SAMPLE RATE to Internal clock 96/

88.2/48/44.1 FS then setting the other units as EXT BNC word clock
slaves.

Chapter

4

SPECIAL OPERATION NOTES

19

CHAPTER 5

DC2496 INFORMA TION

SOFTWARE UPGRADES

Periodically there may be additions to the DC2496 software that will be
made available.

In order to carry out a software upgrade to the DC2496 the following parts
will be required:

486 or better PC computer running Win95 or late.
Cable - RS232 9 pin to RS232 9 pin. Connected to Com 1 on the
P .C. and into the RS232 port on the rear of the DC2496.
DRAWMER ‘Masterflow DC2496 upgrade’ software - available free
from our web site.

The ‘Masterflow Upgrade’ programme can be obtained by two methods:

1 Contact your main dealer to receive the upgrade on 2 x floppy disks.
2 Download the new version of software from the internet.
Website address www.drawmer .co.uk

T o Install the software onto the PC

1 Press STAR T
Select RUN
Choose setup.exe

2 Download the latest software
upgrade e.g.:’DC2496 1v02.UPG’
from the ‘drawmer.co.uk’ website.

T echnical Notes:

When the software is installed a directory
called c:\drawmer will have been created.

upgrade.exe

is the programme to execute.

Once the software has been obtained the unit can be upgraded. This is
achieved by the following method:

Plug the RS232 cable into the Com 1 port on your PC.
Connect the other end of the RS232 into the RS232 slot on the rear

of the DC2496.
Click STAR T .
Select PROGRAMMES.
Click on the Upgrade icon.
Wait a few seconds until the DC2496 unit has been recognised.
The installed software will be compared and if required the unit will

be upgraded. (This will take approximately 2 minutes)
A Screen message will indicate the software version number.
Once the software has been upgraded, the latest ‘Features’ notes

will be displayed and also the ‘Reset factory patches’ button.

Click the ‘Reset Factory Patches’ button to
overwrite all factory patches with the ones
contained in the latest software

Click ‘EXIT’ to leave the upgrade programme.

Note:
Once the DRAWMER unit has been recognised
a ‘Force Upgrade’ button will appear.
Click this button to select a particular software
version number to send to the unit.

Chapter

5

DC2496 INFORMATION

20

CHAPTER 6

GENERAL INFORMATION

IF A FAULT DEVELOPS

For warranty service please call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. or their nearest
authorised service facility, giving full details of the dif ficulty.

A list of all main dealers can be found on the Drawmer webpages.
On receipt of this information, service or shipping instructions will be

forwarded to you.
No equipment should be returned under the warranty without prior consent

from Drawmer or their authorised representative.
For service claims under the warranty agreement a service Returns

Authorisation (RA) number will be issued.
Write this RA number in large letters in a prominent position on the shipping
box. Enclose your name, address, telephone number, copy of the original
sales invoice and a detailed description of the problem.

Authorised returns should be prepaid and must be insured.
All Drawmer products are packaged in specially designed containers for

protection. If the unit is to be returned, the original container must be used.
If this container is not available, then the equipment should be packaged in
substantial shock-proof material, capable of withstanding the handling for
the transit.

CONT ACTING DRAWMER

Drawmer Electronics Ltd., will be pleased to answer all application
questions to enhance your usage of this equipment. Please address
correspondence to:

Drawmer (T echnical Help line)
Coleman Street
Parkgate
Rotherham
S62 6EL
UK

Alternatively contact us by E-mail on :

[e-mail]

Further information on all Drawmer dealers, Authorised service departments
and other contact information can be obtained from our web pages on:

http://www.drawmer .co.uk

Chapter

6

GENERAL INFORMATION

21

CHAPTER 7

DC2496 DA T A

SPECIFICA TION

Analogue Input

Connectors XLR Balanced (Pin 2 Hot)
Impedance 10 KΩ
Max. Input Level +24 dBu
Input CMR Better than -50dB
A to D Conversion 24 Bit
Dynamic Range A/D >129dBFs

A Weighted at 48KHz

Crosstalk -100dB @1kHz

-90dB@10kHz

Sample Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2,

96kHz, EXT

Analogue Output

Connectors XLR Balanced

(Pin 2 Hot)
Impedance 50 Ω
Max. Output Level +21 dBu
Output Balance -35dB@1KHz
D to A Conversion 24 Bit
Dynamic Range -108dB Unweighted
TH D <0.008%@1KHz, +10dBu
Frequency Response 96kHz 7Hz - 44kHz
@ -1dB 88.2kHz 7Hz - 41kHz

48kHz 7Hz - 22kHz

44.1kHz 7Hz - 20kHz

Digital Inputs and Outputs

Main AES/EBU In/Out XL R
Main S/PDIF In/Out Coaxial, RCA Type
TD I F 25 pin D plug.

8 Channel
ADA T Light Pipe (Optical Cable).8 Channel
Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96KHz
Word Length 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 Bits

Aux Digital Outputs (SRC)

Aux AES/EBU In/Out XLR
Aux S/PDIF In/Out Coaxial, RCA Type
Sample Rates 44.1kHz, 48kHz
Word Length 16, 20 Bits

Multi-Track I/O

ADAT Optical In and Out on all eight channels using

Light Pipe
TDIF In and Out on all eight channels using

T ascam Digital Interface (25 pin DSUB)

General

Power Requirements 40VA
Fuse Rating T160mA at 220 Volts, T320mA at

110V olts

CONFORMING TO: IEC 127-2
Fuse Type 20mm x 5mm, Class 3 Slow - Blow

250Volt working
Case Size (mm) 482(w) x 88(h) x 250(d)
Weight (incl packaging) 5KG

Chapter

7

DC2496 DATA

22

BLOCK DIAGRAM

Ref:1v02 A 30-09-04

Chapter

7

DC2496 DATA